Difference Between Retinol, Retinoids, and Tretinoin

Retinoids are a class of synthetic and naturally occurring Vitamin A compounds and derivatives that include retinol and retinoic acid, which are naturally occurring in humans.1 Some retinoids, such as retinoic acid (tretinoin), are available with a prescription only. Other retinoids, such as retinols, are cosmetic. Retinoids work to provide smoother-looking skin.1

Retinoic acid: a prescription-only treatment

Tretinoin is the generic name for synthetic, first-generation all-trans-retinoic acid.1 Topical tretinoin first arrived on the dermatology scene in the 1960s.1,2 It is a prescription drug approved to treat acne,5,6 and in a few FDA-approved products, to treat fine facial wrinkling,7 limited psoriasis, and other conditions.1,† Patients who use tretinoin may experience skin irritation and photosensitivity in the first few weeks of treatment, which can sometimes be counteracted with less frequent application or a less potent strength.2 Obagi offers topical tretinoin in prescription-only creams and a gel*:

Topical retinol has been used in cosmetic skin care products for more than 30 years2 to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Generally a well-tolerated treatment, retinol users typically experience minimal skin redness and irritation.2 A plethora of cosmetic creams, gels, and serums contain retinol. Obagi offers 2 concentrations of retinols to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In a clinical study, patients reported a noticable difference in 1 to 3 weeks.3,**:

Obagi Retinol 0.5%—contains 0.5% retinol entrapped for gradual release, to help minimize irritation while improving the look of uneven skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.2,4

Obagi® Tretinoin Cream 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%, and Tretinoin Gel 0.05% prescriptions may not be available in certain states. Please check with your physician.

**Study results for daily application of the Obagi360 System in a 12-week study; N=40.

Tretinoin Cream and Gel

Indication

Tretinoin Gel 0.05% and Tretinoin Cream (0.1%, 0.05% and 0.025%) are indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Important Safety Information

If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs, discontinue use of Tretinoin.

The skin of some patients may become dry, red, or exfoliated while using Tretinoin and patients may need to temporarily reduce the amount or frequency of application, or discontinue use temporarily or altogether.

Tretinoin should not be used on eczematous or sunburned skin due to potential for severe irritation. Patients should protect their skin from sun, tanning lights, and extreme wind or cold. Use of effective broad spectrum sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided.

Caution should be exercised when using Tretinoin with products that have a strong drying effect, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.

Tretinoin Gel should be used with caution in patients allergic to fish due to potential for allergic reactions to fish protein; patients who develop pruritus or urticaria should contact their healthcare providers.

Tretinoin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and it should be used with caution in nursing women.

The safety and efficacy of Tretinoin have not been established in the treatment of patients younger than 10 years of age (gel) and 12 years of age (cream).

The most common adverse reactions are dry skin, peeling/scaling/flaking skin, skin burning sensation, and erythema. In some subjects the skin-related adverse reactions persisted throughout the treatment period.

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Obagi Systems and Products are physician-dispensed and should be used only under the guidance of your skin care physician. Please be advised that certain products have limited distribution and may not be available in your area. Please contact your Obagi skin care physician for more information.

Important Safety Information for Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender®

(contains 4% hydroquinone)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.